ABOUT COTA

Cota is an accredited not-for-profit organization that has been providing community-based support to people living with mental health and cognitive challenges for over 50 years. At present, our wide array of services delivers much needed support to over 4,000 people/year who live with mental health challenges, psychogeriatric mental health conditions, acquired brain injuries, developmental disabilities, dual diagnoses and/or the experience of homelessness. These services include, but are not limited to, case management, supportive housing and adult day program services. A full listing of our services can be viewed on our website at https://cotainspires.ca/
Cota is presently seeking a dynamic and innovative individual to join our amazing team in the capacity of the role outlined within this posting. Followed by our mission to support individuals with mental health and cognitive challenges to live well within their communities, we strive toward a vision of a supportive, inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. If you feel you have the skills and qualifications to perform the duties of this role while consistently exemplifying Cota’s values Hope, Respect, Dedication, Equity, Accountability, Collaboration and Innovation, we would love to hear from you.

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Mobile Crisis Intervention Teams ("MCITs") are collaborative partnerships between participating Toronto area hospitals and the Toronto Police Service ("TPS"). MCIT pairs a mental health nurse and a specially trained police officer to respond to situations involving individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
In many instances, after MCIT provides their immediate intervention, individuals may consent to receiving short-term follow-up supports to assist in personal recovery and, where needed, referrals to longer-term community supports. This second stage of service is MCIT Follow-Up support.
We are presently seeking to recruit an MCIT Follow-Up Case Manager who will deliver recovery oriented follow-up supports as part of an integrated and comprehensive MCIT service. These individuals must have significant clinical experience working with people experiencing situational crisis and are living with mental health and substance use challenges. They must also possess extensive knowledge of community-based services in Toronto, and how to coordinate access to them for the people they support.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience:
Either:
a) A combination of a post-secondary degree/diploma in a related field and 4 years direct experience, assessed as being relevant to the specific target population being served
Or,
b) A combination of BSW, MSW or other regulated health care professional designation and a minimum of 1 year direct experience, assessed as being relevant to the specific target population being served

Knowledge & Skills:

• Excellent clinical knowledge relevant to the target population being served and/or unique role, as demonstrated through specialized training, or previous work experience
• Excellent clinical assessment/support skills relating to the specific target population
• Advanced understanding of the values and principles associated with Recovery Oriented/Client Centred service delivery
• Sound knowledge of community resources relevant to the target population being served and/or demonstrated ability to search for applicable resources/information
• Ability to design and implement group activities and facilitate group meetings. Advanced crisis management and dispute resolution skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written). High level of computer literacy in relation to systems/applications used in the role (Word, E-mail, Internet)
• Good judgment and ability to work independently as well as cooperatively with others
• Consistent/ reliable and flexible
• Ability to recognize safety issues and follow safe work practices
• Demonstrated client-centred and customer focused approach
• Ability to solve problems and make recommendations to resolve issues
• Effective team player
• Sensitive to challenges experienced by marginalized population groups such as poverty, access issues, mental health and addictions

OTHER REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• May require a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle for the purpose of work depending on program specifications (e.g., FOCUS program)

ROLE OVERVIEW

The MCIT Case Manager will receive referrals for individuals identified through the initial MCIT intervention who have consented to receiving further short-term follow-up support in the community. MCIT Follow-Up Case Managers provide short-term supports to assess immediate risk factors, assist individuals to create personal safety plans, establish priority goals, and, where required/desired, facilitate referrals to other community-based services for longer-term support.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Case Manger is responsible for providing Recovery Oriented services to COTA Health service users in a manner consistent with COTA Health’s Mission, Vision and Values.

The Case Manager’s primary duties may involve, but not necessarily be limited to:

• Reviewing the referral information of applicants to the program
• Coordinating and participating in screening interviews with applicants and their respective referral sources
• Determining eligibility for the program and confirming acceptance of new service users into the program
• Developing a collaborative, supportive and therapeutic relationship with each designated service user for whom he/she is assigned primary responsibility
• Completing a comprehensive assessment of the nature of each service user’s unique goals and needs through collaborative engagement with each service user and their respective support networks
• Providing guidance and assistance to each service user in relation to the development of both a personalized Client Safety Plan and a Recovery/Goal Plan
• Providing direct practical support, coaching and counsel to service users in their pursuit of identified goals and needs. These supports may include, but not necessarily be limited to:
• Assistance in acquiring shelter, food, income, ID and clothing
• Support in the development and maintenance of ADLs
• Assistance in developing a healthy support network
• Assistance in accessing primary health
• Assistance in accessing psychiatric care
• Assistance in developing personal skills in the areas of budgeting, medication management
• Developing harm reduction strategies in relation to substance use
• Assistance in the pursuit of educational/vocational interests
• Assistance in developing personal self-management strategies
• Assistance in accessing/securing safe/affordable housing
• Researching and/or identifying options for alternate/supplementary community services and supports as required/requested
• Assisting each service user in accessing and coordinating other supports, services and appointments
• Liaising with each service user’s support network members as appropriate and where client consent has been obtained
• Assisting service users with emergency and/or crisis needs as required/appropriate
• Assisting in coordinating and facilitating group activities/events which foster service user engagement/participation, the development of social networks, and skill acquisition
• Coordinating the purchasing of necessary program/activity supplies, and accounts for purchases in accordance with program guidelines
• Participating in team meetings, providing input and ideas for improving services, efficiencies and ongoing program planning

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintains current certification and/or up-to-date training in identified “Required Training” areas
• Adheres to all COTA Health’s policies and procedures and follows established applicable program guidelines, procedures and practices
• Adheres to all applicable legislation, particularly the Ontario Human Rights Code
• Comply with all Health and Safety policies and procedures to ensure every reasonable precaution is taken for the protection of workers and service users and that health and safety concerns or incidents are responded to promptly
• Works cooperatively, respectfully and constructively with service users, team members, management, other service providers, and external stakeholders
• Ensures that the confidentiality of service users, employees and COTA information is always maintained
• Undertakes other related and/or delegated duties, as assigned